Girl grabbed while walking

A TEENAGE girl was grabbed by a man as she was walking through Lodge Park.

The 16-year-old was approaching a footpath off Crabtree Close by Lodge Pool, when a man grabbed her arm about 3.40pm, last Tuesday (April 17).

The man then let go and ran off towards a nearby weir.

The girl, who was not hurt but was shaken by the incident, carried on walking to her home.

The offender was white, appeared to be in his 20s and was between 5ft 9inches and 6ft in height, stocky, had facial stubble and was wearing a black puffer coat with elasticated cuffs and the hood up, black jeans and white trainers.

During the incident he spoke briefly and sounded foreign, possibly Eastern European.

PC Joann Jennings said: "Although we don't know the man's motives we are investigating this as an assault. It's possible he was disturbed by a woman walking into the area with a dog and we would very much like that person to get in touch with us. She may not have been aware of this incident but might have seen the offender or noticed where he went.

"We would also like to hear from anyone else who may have an idea who this man is or has seen someone of this description hanging around in that area."